2025 Nissan Altima vs 2026 Toyota Corolla
Comparison Overview
The classic dilemma: Do you stretch your budget for a bit more space and power, or cling to rock-solid affordability? Comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima against the 2026 Toyota Corolla highlights this trade-off. The Altima, starting at $27,000, offers 188 hp and boasts a slightly larger footprint at 192.9 inches long, translating to 15.4 cu ft of cargo space. Conversely, the Corolla undercuts it significantly with an MSRP of only $22,725, saving you $4,275 right off the bat. While the Corolla is more efficient, achieving 35 combined MPG versus the Altima’s 32, it sacrifices some performance, delivering 169 hp to the Altima's 188 hp. Buyers focused purely on maximizing miles per gallon and initial savings will lean toward the Corolla, while those needing that extra cabin real estate or a touch more passing power will find the Altima worth the premium.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla
The 2026 Toyota Corolla wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 35 combined MPG compared to the Altima's 32.
2025 Nissan Altima
The 2025 Nissan Altima is better suited for families because its 15.4 cu ft of cargo capacity outweighs the Corolla's smaller 13.1 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Altima
The Altima appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering higher output with 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla provides undeniable value by saving the buyer $4,275 upfront while still maintaining excellent efficiency metrics.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You prioritize responsive highway merging power, leveraging the Altima's 188 hp engine.
- You need the maximum practical storage available, as the Altima provides 15.4 cu ft of trunk space.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle, with the Altima measuring 192.9 inches compared to the Corolla's 182.5 inches.
Choose the Toyota Corolla if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, given the Corolla's $22,725 MSRP versus the Altima's $27,000.
- Your driving routine demands maximum fuel sipping, reflected in the Corolla’s 32/41 MPG split.
- You plan to do most of your driving in the city, where the Corolla achieves an excellent 32 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Altima | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.9" | 182.5" |
| Width | 72.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 56.7" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 111.2" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/39 MPG | 32/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.4/631.8 mi. | 422.4/541.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.2 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.8 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.9 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.2 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.5 in. | 51.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | P205/55R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2026 Toyota Corolla.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Corolla than the 2025 Altima?
The Toyota Corolla holds a noticeable advantage in fuel economy, achieving 35 combined MPG. The Nissan Altima trails slightly with 32 combined MPG, making the Corolla the cheaper option for covering long distances.
Is the 2025 Nissan Altima significantly more powerful than the 2026 Corolla?
Yes, the Altima offers more performance, boasting 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Corolla is rated at 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, making the Altima quicker in acceleration tests.
What is the price difference between these two sedans?
There is a notable $4,275 difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2026 Corolla starts at $22,725, while the 2025 Altima begins at $27,000.
Which sedan offers better highway cruising ability based on MPG ratings?
The Corolla wins for highway cruising efficiency, rating at 41 MPG on the highway compared to the Altima’s 39 MPG highway rating.
How much more cargo room does the Altima provide for grocery runs or luggage?
The Nissan Altima offers 15.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, giving you 2.3 cu ft more space than the Corolla’s 13.1 cu ft trunk.
Are these cars the same size overall?
No, the Altima is the physically larger vehicle; it is nearly 10.4 inches longer than the Corolla. They are close in width, however, with the Altima being slightly wider at 72.9 inches.
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